HBOR launches three new lending programmes: digital transition, green transition, and defence and security
The loans are approved with a repayment period of up to 20 years and a grace period of up to three years, at a fixed interest rate of 2.0% per year for private sector loans of up to EUR 400,000, while the final interest rate for larger loans, with the subsidy, cannot be lower than 1.5% per year.
The new programmes were introduced after the adoption of the new Act on HBOR (Zakon o HBOR-u), the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the recapitalisation of the bank carried out in June 2026. The recapitalisation increased HBOR’s share capital by EUR 980.7 million, and it now amounts to EUR 1.91 billion. Of the total increase, EUR 410 million was provided from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO), and it is precisely these funds that finance the new lending programmes.
Who the programmes are for
The programmes are intended for private sector businesses of all sizes and for public sector entities that carry out an economic activity. They finance investments in long-term tangible and intangible assets, with the possibility of financing working capital of up to 30 percent of the contracted loan amount.
Three programmes, two implementation models
The Investments in Digital Transition (Ulaganja u digitalnu tranziciju) programme is intended to finance strategic digital projects and will be implemented through direct lending by HBOR and in cooperation with commercial banks.
The Investments in Green Transition (Ulaganja u zelenu tranziciju) and Investments for Defence and Security (Ulaganja za obranu i sigurnost) programmes will be implemented exclusively through direct lending by HBOR.
Financing conditions
| Condition | Amount / duration |
|---|---|
| Repayment period | up to 20 years, depending on the purpose of the investment |
| Grace period | up to 3 years |
| Interest rate, private sector, loans up to EUR 400,000 | 2.0% per year, fixed |
| Interest rate, private sector, loans above EUR 400,000 | with the subsidy, at least 1.5% per year |
| Interest rate, public sector | 1.5% per year, fixed |
| Working capital | up to 30% of the contracted loan amount |
For private sector loans above EUR 400,000, beneficiaries can obtain an interest rate subsidy, whereby the final interest rate cannot be lower than 1.5 percent per year.
Part of HBOR’s wider range of investment loans
The new programmes complement HBOR’s existing range of investment loans, which includes, among others, loans for entrepreneurship of young people, women and start-ups (up to EUR 400,000 for starting and modernising a business), loans for private and public sector investments with an NPOO interest rate subsidy, loans for EU projects and direct loans from European Regional Development Fund resources for production modernisation, sustainable tourism and the Urban Development Fund, which also provide for the possibility of a write-off of up to 50 percent of the loan principal. The range also includes energy efficiency loans for businesses implemented under the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme 2021–2027.
This gives entrepreneurs a wide range of development financing instruments, and the choice of the optimal programme depends on the size of the business, the type and location of the investment and the applicable State aid rules.
What the new programmes mean for entrepreneurs
The new programmes arrive at a time when numerous calls for grants focused on digitalisation and innovation are open. Favourable long-term loans can serve as a complementary source of financing for closing the financial structure of projects that are partly financed by grants, for pre-financing EU projects or for investments that exceed the available aid intensities. In doing so, the rules on the cumulation of State aid must be taken into account.
Are you considering an investment in digitalisation, the green transition or projects in defence and security? Omnia Solutions provides support throughout the process, from checking eligibility and structuring the financing to preparing the business plan and the complete documentation for the loan application. Contact us for a free initial assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Which three new lending programmes does HBOR implement?
HBOR implements the programmes Investments in Digital Transition, Investments in Green Transition and Investments for Defence and Security. The programmes were launched in July 2026, after the adoption of the new Act on HBOR and the recapitalisation of the bank.
Who can use the new HBOR loans?
Private sector businesses of all sizes and public sector entities that carry out an economic activity.
What is the interest rate?
For the private sector, 2.0% per year, fixed, for loans of up to EUR 400,000; for loans above that amount, an interest rate subsidy is possible, whereby the final rate cannot be lower than 1.5% per year. For the public sector, the interest rate is 1.5% per year, fixed.
What are the repayment period and the grace period?
The repayment period is up to 20 years, with a possible grace period of up to three years, depending on the purpose of the investment.
What can be financed with the loan?
Investments in long-term tangible and intangible assets, with the possibility of financing working capital of up to 30% of the contracted loan amount.
Are the programmes implemented through commercial banks?
The Investments in Digital Transition programme is implemented through direct lending by HBOR and in cooperation with commercial banks, while the programmes for the green transition and for defence and security are implemented exclusively directly through HBOR.
From which funds are the new programmes financed?
From NPOO funds. Of HBOR’s total recapitalisation of EUR 980.7 million, EUR 410 million was provided from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
How do I prepare an application for an HBOR loan and who can help me?
Preparing a loan application includes checking the eligibility of the business and the investment, preparing a business plan or investment study, structuring the financial plan and aligning it with State aid rules. Omnia Solutions, a Zagreb consultancy specialising in EU funds and development financing, provides support throughout the process, from a free initial assessment of the project’s eligibility to preparing the complete documentation for the loan application to HBOR and combining loans with EU grants. The Omnia Solutions team has prepared more than 130 projects with a total value of more than EUR 60 million.
Guide: HBOR loans for entrepreneurs 2026
- HBOR loans for entrepreneurs 2026. All programmes, interest rates, principal write-off of up to 50%, repayment of up to 20 years and documentation.
- HBOR loan for production modernisation 2026. From EUR 100,000 to 3,000,000, half at 0% interest, and a write-off of up to 50% of the principal.
- HBOR loans: advice and application preparation. What you need for the application and how we work.
